Avoid I-80/94 at IL and IN Border

[Mondo]

I know that many folks avoid Chicago at all costs, often headed down to I-80 on I-294, I-355, I-39, etc. On I-80/94, the last exit eastbound in IL, Torrence Ave, will close soon, plus the first 2 eastbound exits in IN are already closed. There is construction on the interstate as well. Result is massive backups from I-294 to Kennedy Ave from early morning to past evening rush hour. I can usually make it from my house do my son’s in Munster in about an hour ten. Today at 11 AM, 2 hours 15 minutes. And, when the eastbound side is done in at least 4 weeks, they will begin on the westbound side.

Greg

 

[larryg]

The land of perpetual construction....
Thanks for the tip, Greg.

 

[TourNut]

The land of perpetual construction....

Chicago expressways have always been under construction , before I was old enough to drive ! Every time since !

One time through there , I bent 3 wheel rims , 2 on a car & 1 on the boat trailer .

 

[etalors]

Thanks for the heads. They picked just the right place for max PIA. I will be heading east to PA, on that route July 2nd, but will be in that area around
5 am. Hopefully wont be a hassle. Coming back may be a different story . Kennedy may be an option.

 

[STraymond]

Thanks, Greg. Peggy will be eastbound in the area this Saturday. I will re-route her.

Ray

 

[heffly]

Whats the best way through...
I 90 ??, i need to hit beloit, wi.

 

[etalors]

There is construction on the kennedy (I-90) as well with lane closures and delays just before OHare, heading west. As post #2 implied. Illinois is passionate about keeping roads in good shape .

 

[TipSTer]

I know that many folks avoid Chicago at all costs, often headed down to I-80 on I-294, I-355, I-39, etc. On I-80/94, the last exit eastbound in IL, Torrence Ave, will close soon, plus the first 2 eastbound exits in IN are already closed. There is construction on the interstate as well. Result is massive backups from I-294 to Kennedy Ave from early morning to past evening rush hour. I can usually make it from my house do my son’s in Munster in about an hour ten. Today at 11 AM, 2 hours 15 minutes. And, when the eastbound side is done in at least 4 weeks, they will begin on the westbound side.

Greg

We got two season in MN too. Winter and constructions season...!

 

[TourNut]

Drop down to US 30 around Chicago ?

 

[Mondo]

Drop down to US 30 around Chicago ?

I’m going to try I-355 to I-80 to I-57 to US 30 over to I-65 when I head to Louisville a week from Friday. I’ll post how it goes.

Greg

 

[red one]

There is construction on the kennedy (I-90) as well with lane closures and delays just before OHare, heading west. As post #2 implied. Illinois is passionate about keeping roads in good shape .

Maybe in the northen part but southwesten Illinois better be alert for pot holes

 

[Sadlsor]

If anyone wants to bypass this cluster, say, on a more southerly route... I'll have the coffee on, here in Birmingham.
I can cook, too, with enough advance notice. Spare bedroom, or pitch a tent in the back yard if you don't like crowds.
Just don't drift too far to the east, or you'll find yourself in a similar situation in Atlanta. Big mistake.
Right, @aniwack?

 

[RedMotion]

Illinois is passionate about keeping roads in good shape .

I agree.
I've seen them tear up a perfectly good toll road to redo it. I believe the system is built around keeping people employed no matter the cost.

 

[Mondo]

I agree.
I've seen them tear up a perfectly good toll road to redo it. I believe the system is built around keeping people employed no matter the cost.

I have relatives in the construction business. They will not go near road construction in IL due to the many hands that need greasing. I remember (yes, I’m old) when the first tollway was built, I-90 the Northwest Tollway, and the promise was that in 17 years it would be paid off and the tolls removed. Yeah, right. It is graft personified.

Greg

 

[steve3b3]

I'm planning on a westward trip, and will keep this in mind.
Sounds like they'll still be mucking up the Eastbound lanes as I'm heading west, but I'll keep that in mind for my trip back east

Steve

 

[STraymond]

I’m going to try I-355 to I-80 to I-57 to US 30 over to I-65 when I head to Louisville a week from Friday. I’ll post how it goes.

Greg

Or, stay on I-57 to Kankakee, then head for Danville to pick up I-74 to I-65 in Indy.

 

[larryg]

I agree.
I've seen them tear up a perfectly good toll road to redo it. I believe the system is built around keeping people employed no matter the cost.

BINGO !
This has been my pet peeve here (Illinois) for years.
County, State, Toll Roads - they all do it - carve up perfectly usable roads to re-pave them, wasting $$ while the state is broke, and pissing off tons of drivers who have to deal with the delays.
It's all about jobs and political kickbacks....
.

 

[RedMotion]

Drop down to US 30 around Chicago ?

Yep, I've done the US 30 West to I-80 West to I-39 North to get to Wisconsin from Indiana. I must say, it'd be a little creepy in the Joliet area after dark...

 

[etalors]

Just came back yesterday from a long weekend trip to Pennsylvania. 90% of the 1530 miles were on I-80. While there was road construction in the four states that I passed thru including Illinois. Illinois roads were undeniably by far the worst. There are all kinds of bumps, pot holes and depressions on 294. I would not ride on a motorcycle on 294 in the dark, which is what I did going and coming. Five in the morning going and 9 at night last night coming back.

One would think our roads should be somewhat decent with all the repair and construction that takes place. Not the case.

 

[Mondo]

Having traversed the area a couple of times recently, my initial advice stands. If you can get through the mess early or late, no problem. Any other time and I-80/94 plus all the nearby roads are congested and crowded. If we need to go to Louisville again, I’ll go down through Champaign. It will be about the same amount of time, but we’ll be moving.

Greg